How 'strict' Rafael Nadal gave Iga Swiatek 'crazy boost of motivation' in Mallorca training stint as she returns to action in Stuttgart
By Ben Southby
Published 16/04/2026 at 18:53 GMT+1
React to this story
Iga Swiatek will be chasing her fifth French Open title this summer, and who else to better prepare her for the clay Grand Slam than 14-time champion Rafael Nadal?
Highlights: Norrie beats Quinn to reach quarter-finals of Barcelona Open
Video credit: SNTV
Swiatek spent time on court with Nadal at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca earlier this month in preparation for the clay swing.
The experience helped the Pole get her clay-court season off to the perfect start, with a straight-sets victory over Laura Siegemund in Stuttgart.
”With Rafa, obviously it was a privilege and an inspiring time," Swiatek said about the training block.
"I’m always super motivated before coming on clay, but having him on court was an extra crazy boost of motivation."
She added: ”I honestly don’t think I’ve ever spent so much time on court as I did in Mallorca. It was a week full of grind and hard work.”
Swiatek trained alongside both Nadal and her new coach Francisco Roig - who also coached Nadal.
The world No. 4 was insistent that Nadal, although "strict" at times, did not dominate the sessions and instead claimed that it was "pretty chill".
”The dynamics were kind of unusual,” Swiatek explained.
”Francisco was his coach, so I feel like he also let him coach me. Rafa was giving tips from time to time. I’d say pretty chill?
”He [Nadal] was motivating in a positive way. I’d say chill, but on the other hand, strict. Honestly, it’s Rafa.
"No matter what he’s going to say, you’re going to do it 100%. You know his intensity. Having him on the court, you want to show the same kind of vibe.
"Just him being there obviously did the job.”
- Wawrinka, Monfils set for French Open wildcards
- Murray announces retirement from tennis aged 40
- Alcaraz out of Barcelona Open with wrist injury
Swiatek has won three of the four Grand Slams, with only the Australian Open crown evading her brilliant career so far.
Four of her six majors were won on the clay in Paris, having dominated the tournament from 2020 to 2024, where she won four titles in five seasons - including a sensational three-peat.
She heads into this year's tournament with a point to prove, having lost to Aryna Sabalenka over three sets in last year's semi-final.
Swiatek has not tasted success at any level since September 2025, when she claimed the Korea Open title in a WTA 500 event.
She exited the Australian Open at the quarter-final stage against eventual winner Elena Rybakina, while she was dumped out of Indian Wells at the same stage after defeat to Elina Svitolina.
Swiatek will play either Mirra Andreeva or Alycia Parks in the quarter-finals in Stuttgart, as she looks to get her hands on a much-needed title in the run-up to the French Open.
TNT Sports is the exclusive French Open broadcaster in the UK and Ireland. Coverage of every court will be available to watch live on HBO Max.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement